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Pioneer Woman Broccoli Salad

Pioneer Woman Broccoli Salad - recipe card
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A classic, creamy broccoli salad with crisp bacon, sharp cheddar, red onion, and a sweet-tangy dressing. It’s endlessly versatile—perfect for potlucks, BBQs, and weeknight dinners alike.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz bacon (about 8 slices), cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 large head), cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced (about 1/2 small onion)
  • 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 oz)
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup sunflower seeds, shelled
  • 1/2 cup full-fat mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crispy and golden brown, about 8–10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet for another use or discarding it.
  2. While the bacon cooks, prepare the broccoli: wash and thoroughly dry the head of broccoli—excess water will water down the dressing. Cut the florets into 1-inch bite-size pieces, including some of the stem for texture. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
  3. To the bowl with the broccoli, add the finely diced red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds. Stir to combine the dry ingredients evenly.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, kosher salt, and black pepper until the sugar is fully dissolved and the dressing is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired—it should be tangy and slightly sweet.
  5. Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture. Use a large spatula or wooden spoon to toss gently until every piece is coated. The dressing will cling to the florets and crevices.
  6. Add the crispy bacon pieces to the salad and fold them in gently—reserving a few for garnish if you like. The bacon should remain crisp; avoid overmixing.
  7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the broccoli to soften slightly while still retaining crunch.
  8. Before serving, give the salad a final stir, taste for seasoning, and adjust with salt or sugar if needed. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish.

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may become more watery as it sits; stir well before serving. For best texture, add extra bacon or sunflower seeds right before serving. Freezing is not recommended due to the mayonnaise base and broccoli becoming mushy.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli salad, creamy broccoli salad, bacon broccoli salad, Pioneer Woman recipe, cold salad, potluck salad, summer salad, easy side dish, make-ahead salad, BBQ side

Find it online: https://inspiredbypioneerwoman.com/pioneer-woman-broccoli-salad/